The Moderator's diary
During their year in office, the Moderator visits two Church of Scotland Presbyteries; travels to partner churches overseas; represents the Church of Scotland on historic and national occasions; supports the work of Committees, congregations and organisations; and meets with interfaith and ecumenical bodies.
Below are details of the engagements in the moderatorial diary this month.
- 1 December 2024
The Moderator will lead a Communion service at Falkirk Trinity church, where one of his chaplains, the Revd Robert Allan, is minister. In the evening, Dr Paterson will attend Mass in Edinburgh led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Grand Prior of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, who is visiting Scotland.
- 2 December 2024
The Moderator will attend a lecture which Carindal Pizzaballa is delivering for Religious Leaders. In the evening, Dr Paterson will attend a Dinner being held at Edinburgh Castle in honour of the Cardinal’s visit.
- 3 December 2024
The Moderator will meet with Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP in Holyrood. Dr Paterson is meeting with the leaders of all Scottish parties over the course of the Winter months. In the evening, Dr Paterson will join the penultimate online lecture in the 2024 Chalmers Lecture Series, delivered by the Revd Professor John Swinton of Aberdeen University.
- 4 December 2024
The Moderator will be a guest at the New College Christmas Lunch, before preaching at the New College Carol Service. Dr Paterson’s visit will also include a tour of the premises and time to meet with ministry candidates.
- 5 December 2024
The Moderator will attend the final online lecture in the 2024 Chalmers Lecture Series, delivered by the Revd Professor John Swinton of Aberdeen University.
- 8 December 2024
The Moderator will travel to Glasgow Cathedral to preach at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Founder's Day Service, to mark their 425th anniversary. Dr Paterson is a lay advisor to the medical education board for Physicians, and a lay examiner for Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.
- 9 December 2024
The Moderator will travel to Airdrie to preach at the Ordination service for David McKee, who completed the final few months of his Probation period at Strathaven Trinity, the church where Dr Paterson is minister.
- 10 December 2024
The Moderator will provide a reflection on ‘The True Joy of Christmas’, at the conclusion of the 121 George Street Carol Service.
- 12 December 2024
The Moderator will meet with Russell Findlay MSP in Holyrood. In the evening, Dr Paterson will preach at the Bicentenary service of the opening of Edinburgh: Broughton St. Mary’s church building in Bellevue Crescent.
- 13 December 2024
The Moderator will visit the Kirkhaven Project, a CrossReach Service in Glasgow which provides accommodation, support and social care for homeless adults who have experienced mental health issues, substance dependency or challenging behaviours.
- 15 December 2024
The Moderator will preach at Dennistoun New Church in Glasgow as they mark the 150th Anniversary of their building, before joining the congregation for lunch. In the evening, Dr Paterson will provide an Advent reflection at Stirling: St Ninians Old service of Lessons and Carols.
- 17 December 2024
The Moderator will meet online with Her Excellency Mrs Tzipi Hotovely, Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom.
- 18 December 2024
The Moderator will attend the Scottish Parliament’s Christmas Carol Service.
- 19 December 2024
- The Moderator will visit Falkirk Rotary Club to share the Christmas Message as they celebrate their Centenary Year.
- 21 December 2024
The Moderator will join the Street Pastors Team on patrol until the early hours of the morning in Falkirk Town Centre.
- 24 December 2024
The Moderator will lead the Watchnight Service at his home church, Strathaven Trinity.